#but now i have to go get mum and look after her

[hanjisungslag]

hiiii!! so sorryyy idk if you take requests BUTT could you do headcannons of being in an argument with the aot characters?

🗣️ aot characters & arguments

characters involved: eren, armin, mikasa, connie, jean, sasha, reiner, annie, bertolt, erwin, levi & hange

notes: i do take requests indeed!! :3 i luv angst, i hope this is gd♡

✧ eren jaeger - 

okay, when you guys argue it’s honestly more cute than anything because you’re both so protective of one another. neither of you wanted each other to join the scouts because it was so dangerous but, you both joined anyways obviously. oh my god, you guys non-stop bicker when there’s a mission! and don’t even get me started if you get put into different teams😭 you start TWEAKINGG. after he finds out he’s the attack titan, oh it gets 10x worse. his absolute biggest fear is losing control and hurting you - he’s already so conflicted, confused & felt like an outcast. he definitely lashes out more and becomes snappier than usual but, it does come from a place of sincerity.

when this happens, you just leave it be. as soon as it’s not just bickering anymore, when a voice is raised or an insult is made, you just leave it. you understand he’s going through a lot and just needs a minute but, TRUST ME! when you walk off, you make sure it is known that your feelings are hurt.

“i said no! you are not being on my team! im going with the levi squad, thats final.”

✧ armin arlert -

you both love each other very much but, goddamn you’re both so up your own arses! you are the ‘smart couple’ you are both strategic and witty and have your own way you go about things. so, when it comes to deciding whose plan is better, you always think yours is better and admin thinks his is better. this has (and probably always will be) the main root of your arguments, tbh. nobody likes to get involved either because if someone picks a side then even more havoc will break lose. the only people who’ve ever come between you two is: mikasa, levi & erwin.

it’s just like a debate, you know the ones on jubilee where it’s just people speaking over each other with different facts and sources? literally you two. you both would keep going until the end of time if you didn’t need to sleep, eat and drink water. it’s never that serious at the end of the day, you both love each other and i GUESS you can appreciate each others plans albeit you both think yours is better.

“if you actually listen to me when i say, my layout is better! look at how easy it is to manoeuvre from the castle to the forest!”

✧ mikasa ackerman -

wash the damn scarf. that is all you ask of her. she has literally never washed it and you love but jesus christ, stink LINGERS. not only do you think it’s weird she doesn’t wash it but, it’s also from eren… now, you know mikasa’s lore, of course. however, it’s really hard to get over your girlfriend having this deep love for this smelly scarf that her ex-crush gave to her after he literally saved her from being kidnapped. at first, you try to ignore it but it gets to a point where you sit down and talk to her but, she is not having it. she clearly cares very, very deeply for this scarf and will defend it. it’s really awkward conversation that slowly turns into raised voices and some opinionated things being raised.

“why are you getting jealous over a scarf? that’s so stupid! i just have fond memories with it!”

✧ connie springer -

again, not so much major arguments but just bickers. it usually starts as a joke but slowly but surely divulges into an argument about something stupid. one time, someone ate the last of jean’s meal that his mum made for him and he saved until today, obviously he was super upset and jokingly you blamed connie. at first, all was well, laughs were being heard and he even poked fun at you but, somewhere along the way it became more serious for you two, you genuinely suspected connie of eating jean’s meal and connie was getting visibly more upset.

“that was so not me! why are you telling them that?! i didn’t eat it, y/n!”

jean regretted asking who ate his food.

✧ jean kirstein -

jean is unfortunately a jealous guy. not for any malicious reasons, he’s just a bit insecure gang! he’s more scared that you’ll leave him for someone ‘better’ more than anything but, these feelings of insecurity manifest as jealously. he’d get jealous over you spending time with people like eren, mikasa or armin. in so many aspects, they’re better than him (in his eyes) and this will just make him reallyyy pissy. being in an argument with jean is painstakingly ambiguous like he never straight up says it, it’s always sly remarks or dry responses from him for a while. eventually, you know something is up and question him but he will avoid answering like the plague and it’s just so, so frustrating! eventually, when you break your calm demeanour, he will also break his ‘nonchalant-ness’ and just shout about how he feels.

he crossed his arms, “i just don’t understand why you need to be around him so much, you have me?”

✧ sasha braus -

absolutely nothing. i’m sorry but, she is too sweet and loving. IM SORRY, i’m sorry… i tried so hard to think of something but this queen is too perfect. at most, she would snap at you in high stress situations but she would never turn it into an argument. for example, if you told her to slow down her eating because you’re going on a mission but, she hasn’t eaten much that day she may snap and tell you to “let her do what she wants” but, she’s sooo quick to recover and apologise. literally not even giving you a second to even think about arguing with her!!

“ah, i’m sorry. you’re right, i don’t wanna be sick while flying through the air, huh?” she pouts.

✧ reiner braun -

you’re both from marley, you know damn well what you’re doing here but it seems reiner is straying off path. you’re there to try and remind him why you’re there and this leads to so many arguments. his split personality also plays a role in the arguments because it’s so.. scary and confusing for you because one moment he’s defending eldians than the next, he’s shouting at you about how he ‘knows the plan’.

when talking about stuff like this, since it’s extra sensitive for reiner he definitely flips out. i’m talking shouting, angry grunting, clenching his fists into balls and holding them against his forehead so he doesn’t fully crash tf out. he’s just as confused and scared as you are about his split personality but, he doesn’t want to seem weak or to seem like he’s losing sight of what is ‘right’ - it gets him really worked up. obviously, you stand your ground against him, he doesn’t scare you when you’re arguing. you’ve known him for so long.. you feel like he just needs to be guided.

“when did i ever say i liked them? yes, they’re okay people to be around for now but— no, i never said that! i know what they are, you don’t remind to tell me, y/n!”

✧ annie leonhart -

just the fact she’s cold and distant, it makes it really hard to actually have a relationship with her. at first, she was closed off COMPLETELY but cracks began to show and eventually, you thought you were at a good point with each other but, you kind of realised you didn’t know that much about annie. you try to ask questions to get her to open up but, she is one tough egg to crack so eventually, you just ask! hoping to help her more than anything but, this leads to an argument…

after this first argument, it became pretty regular like once every few weeks this would happen. you get super frustrated because she acts like she doesn’t even care! so, you’re shouting and getting really passionate while she sits there, looking pissed off and bored, rolling her eyes and scoffing. she doesn’t see the need to open up to you, she’s done what she thinks is ‘enough’ in her books.

“what do you want me to say? i’m not an open book, that’s just how i am. we’re all gonna end up dead, anyways.”

✧ bertolt hoover -

sigh… oh bert. every time you feel yourself developing further into your relationship with bert, his friends seem to pull him back. you’re still not quite sure why and they always seem to be giving side eyes or glances when he talks about his life - its starting to piss you off, rightfully so. you feel like he’s got two other side hoes watching yours and his every move! you being this up in subtle ways as to not seem like a crazy, jealous partner but eventually you burst and tell him how you really feel.

arguing with sweet bert isn’t fun because you can tell he tries so hard to please everyone in the situation, whether it’s you, him or now in this case, his friends too. he will raise his voice but, not in a bad way just in a general sense, things are getting heated, his voice will raise and he will fling his arms and hands. he’s a very expressive man when arguing because he is so passionate about it.

“y/n, they’re my friends! they’re just trying to protect me, why are you jealous?”

✧ erwin smith -

there’s so such things as arguments in your relationship, erwin likes to call them ‘mutual disagreements’ as your both in the scouts, he knows your time is limited. it’s a morbid and pessimistic way to think but, you have to be realistic when you live such a deadly lifestyle. he doesn’t want to take your time together for granted - plus, he’s a MAN like, he is calm and collected and will always hear you out.

you both start off calm, having a mature conversation about whatever it is that is bothering you but, when you start getting rowdier that’s when erwin quells the flames quickly. he takes a deep breath, hears you out and calmly walks you through it all. he’s so compassionate about it, i cant omg. he’ll gently place a hand over your own hand or on your shoulder if you’re standing, letting you know he’s present, he’ll sweetly talk you down, eventually calming you down and usually you’ll both say apologises or just general sweet statements and move on!

“i’m sorry, y/n. no, i’m glad you talked to me about this.”

✧ levi ackerman -

oh lord, being in an argument with levi ackerman is nawwtt fun. i’m sorry but, i’d kms if i argued with levi 😭. this man has such an awful resting bitch face as it is but, imagine his face when he’s arguing with you? IF LOOKS COULD KILL. he cant hide his emotions, so when you’re arguing even if he’s trying to be somewhat nice, his face says it all. usually he’ll roll his eyes and scoff if it’s something minor, he’ll hear you out, maybe give a half arsed apology or some sort of nice gesture to make sure you’re not upset however, if it’s a big issue oh brother…

silent treatment, i fear. he is so bad at communicating his feels correctly and often feels confused because this mf ain’t been in love before?! it gets too a point where he’s so mad, he just cant even begin to think of anything to say to you. you’ll be there raising your voice, becoming so passionate and when you ask what he thinks, he’ll say “i have nothing to say.” then boom, silent treatment. however, he’s bad with his words… but good with his actions. he still wants you to know he cares, you two could be in the most rancid moods but, you’ll go to your room and find your clothes ironed and folded🥲.

✧ hange zoë -

oh my sweet hange, my probably neurological challenged sweet hange… an argument with them would definitely stem from them spending more time with titans than you. when sawney and bean were around, you weren’t getting ANY time of day with them, trust. at first, you didn’t want to say anything because of course, you understand! the lifetime you guys are living in, things like hange’s research is soo important but, you can’t help but feel neglected sometimes.

when you finally bring it up, an argument ensues. neither of you really shout or anything, it’s just that kind of weird sort of raised, high pitched voice people get when you’re really frustrated. you both stay relatively calm for the situation you’re in but, you can totally tell you’re both so frustrated because hange just doesn’t see the problem. when you guys argue like this, it usually just goes in circles and after a while you both decide to mutually give up and leave it for another day.

“it’s all for science and the greater good of humanity though, i don’t understand?”

[russo-woso]

This wasn’t planned || USWNT x pregnant!teen!reader

Request | Masterlist | Prompt list

Warning Teen pregnancy, morning sickness, cravings, long painful labour and delivery

Summary You fall pregnant very unexpectedly and feel like your falling but your teammates are there to pick you up

A/N I’ve done three different versions of this now with different teams but this is the final one 🫶🏻

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

“Y/N, what’s wrong hun?” Emily asked as she walked into the bathroom, heating your wracked sobs.

Emily was like your sister, having known you from the US team and Arsenal. You two even lived together in England.

You showed her the pregnancy test, her jaw dropping as she saw pregnant.

You weren’t surprised at her reaction, after all you were only sixteen. You don’t think anyone really expects you to be pregnant so young, but here you were.

“I did it once, Em. I was at that stupid party I told you about and I hooked up with a guy. It wasn’t even that long. Twenty second if that. And he wore a condom! I don’t get what happened.” You sobbed, Emily holding your shaking body.

“I know, hun. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Emily whispered repeatedly, stroking your hair. “The girls will be with you the whole way through. I promise. I’ll help you.”

You didn’t believe her at first, thinking that everyone would judge you.

But surprisingly, Emily was right.

You had no choice but to tell the team, some of them bringing up that you were constantly sick, especially in the mornings.

“Y/N, are you okay? I saw you run in here.” Sophia asked as you continued to throw up in the toilet.

She rubbed your back as you threw up, holding your hair back too.

“Hun, you’ve been sick every single day this week. Are you sure you’re okay?”

You debated whether to lie or not, but you figured you’d be telling her soon anyway.

“I’m pregnant.” You revealed.

“Oh my god… hun, this is big. I’m here for you, okay?”

“Thank tou.” You sent her a weak smile before hugging her.

The reactions of the others was similar, promising they’ll help with whatever they could.

There was one person though who you had to tell, Alex.

Alex Morgan was like your mum. After growing up without a mother, Alex took on that role when you joined the USWNT.

In the year you played together, the two of you became so close.

Since she’d retired, you rang her to see if you could meet her somewhere and you agreed a small coffee shop.

You were nine weeks already, the party having been nine weeks ago, so you were starting to show the most tiniest bit hence why you had started to wear baggier clothes.

“Hi, hun!” Alex cheered as you walked though the door.

“Hey, Al.” You sighed, melting into the hug.

You got caught into a conversation when you finally got the confidence to reveal the pregnancy.

“So… I have some news and I don’t really…” you began, feeling tears well in your eyes.

“You’re pregnant?” Alex guessed, your eyes widening in shock.

“Yeah. How did you know?”

“I know you, Y/N. The Y/N I know doesn’t wear baggy clothes and she certainly doesn’t not order coffee.” Alex explained, looking at you noticing how emotional you looked. “I’m so proud of you. You’re so good with Charlie, I just know you’re going to be a good mama.”

“Thanks, Alex.” You said between cries

“I’m pregnant too.” Alex revealed

“Are you actually?”

“It’s still really early. I’m gonna announce it when I retire from club football.” Alex said. “So, we’ll have each others backs, huh?”

—

“Em?” You shouted from the living room to Emily who was stood making lunch for you both.

“Yeah?”

“Can you please get the marmite for me. Bubba’s really craving it.” You said, rubbing your now seven month bump.

“Eww, marmite?” Emily replied, grabbing it from the cupboard anyway and bringing it through to you.

“Not my fault.” You told her and she nodded, understanding.

Just as you opened the lid, a knock was heard at the door.

Emily got up to answer it, Alessia and Lotte’s voices filling the house.

“Hiya, Y/N, hiya bubba. They’ve got so big!” Alessia exclaims as she settles on the couch next to you.

“Hi.” You greet back, your mouth full of marmite.

“New craving by any chance?” Lotte asked and you nodded.

“This is the fourth jar this week.” Emily added as you grinned cheekily.

“It’s not my fault the bubba wants it.”

Your phone started ringing and you picked it up to see it was Alex ringing you.

“Hey Al.” You said, lifting yourself off the couch and walking towards your room.

“Hey hun, how you feeling? Emily said bubba’s been kicking you every night.”

“Alex, they won’t stop. I swear, it’s like they do it at night on purpose.” You said, collapsing onto your bed after the difficult journey up the stairs.

“What’s wrong? You sound out of breath.”

“I’ve just walked up the stairs.” You replied, Alex humming, also agreeing with how you were feeling. “Anyways, how are you?”

“Broke, but I’m okay.” Alex said

“Why are you broke?”

“Because I’ve just booked plane tickets to come see one of my favorite girls in England.” Alex responded, a clear smile evident in her voice.

“Alex… no.” You said, shocked.

“Yes, I’ve missed you so much, hun. I want to come see you before bubba is born.”

“Oh my god! When do you come? I’m canceling everything.”

The conversation carried on about when Alex was coming and what you were going to do.

—

You were now approaching the nine month stage.

You were exhausted to say the least. You were tired of being pregnant, you just wanted your baby here already.

You had asked Emily if you could go with to Colney today, wanting to see the Arsenal girls before you have birth.

She said yes, knowing she’d been making you coop up in the house for weeks now.

Maybe it would be good for you to get some fresh air.

“Hey, hun!” Alessia said, watching you waddle into the canteen where all the girls were sat. “You ready for bubba to come?”

“No. I’m dreading it but I can’t wait for them to come.” You responded, still making your way over to where alessia was sat.

“I can’t wait to meet them.”

“Well, you’re not going to wait much longer. Not much longer at all. Maybe today even because by the looks of it, bubba wants to come out now.” You said, looking at the puddle by your feet.

“Oh my god! Your water broke? Emily!” Alessia shouted, clearly panicked.

“Less! Calm down.” You laughed

“Yeah? Y/N! Your water broke!” Emily exclaimed, noticing the puddle at your feet.

“Wow, I hadn’t noticed.” You replied sarcastically, Emily rolling her eyes.

“Come on, hun, let’s get you home.”

—

It had been a long day.

You went home after your water broke, getting changed before timing your contractions.

After three hours, your contractions were bad, but not close enough to each other to go through hospital.

Emily suggested you went on a walk, to try speed up the labour.

You went around the block, waddling along as you walked.

But when you got back, they were only six minutes apart.

It was three o’clock when you finally went to the hospital, five hours after your water had broken.

Your contractions were close together now and were painful. Very very painful.

Emily drove to the hospital, holding your hand for support and comfort.

When you arrived, the nurses guided you to your room, allowing you to settle first before coming back to check how dilated you were.

“So, you are four centimetres dilated. How long ago did your water break?”

“About five hours ago.” You tell her

“Okay, so normally you would be a lot more further on in labour but there’s no need to worry. Slow labour could be affected by anything. Your age. Your athleticism. Anything.” The nurse explained and you nodded along, trying to focus on her words but it was hard to with a contraction hitting. “I’d recommend trying to get to sleep. It’ll be a long night for you and it might speed things up a bit.”

You took into account the fact that you might not be getting sleep with a newborn so you managed to get a few hours sleep, which actually helped speed up your labour too.

—

You were now nine centimetres dilated.

You had declined the epidural, having a massive fear of needles and after reading the negative effects an epidural could have, you definitely didn’t want it.

You were given gas and air instead, trying to decrease the pain as much as possible.

It was coming close to midnight, your body tired and achy now.

Emily still stayed by your side, rubbing your back and holding your hand.

You were currently knelt against the bed, your head in your arms as they rested on top of the bed.

“I think you’re ready to push.” The midwife announced as she checked how dilated you were.

“Thank god. I don’t know if I can do this for much longer.” You said, letting a sigh of relief out.

“Ready to meet your baby, huh?” Emily asked and you nodded, feeling a contraction coming.

“Ready to push? On three. One, two, three.”

You pushed with all your might, gripping onto Emily’s hands as you did.

“Okay, another one.”

Similar to the first push, you tried your hardest but there seemed to be no improvement.

Emily stroked back your sweat drenched hair, placing a kiss to your forehead as you pushed.

“I’m never having sex again.” You revealed after a push.

“Okay, hun.” Emily laughed

You had now been pushing for over half an hour, but still there seemed to be no sight of your baby.

“Y/N, if we can’t see your baby after this push we’re going to have to rush you in for an emergency C-Section.” The midwife said, and you nodded, knowing it would be for the best.

You were fully exhausted now, having used all your energy on the pushing.

“Hun, you’ve got this.” Emily said, panic on her face.

You groaned into the bed as you pushed, this time, using your whole body to push.

“I can see a head! Keep going, Y/N!” The midwife announced, as you kept pushing. “They’re heads nearly out. One more push and your babies head will be out.”

You pushed once more, this one more painful more than ever as the babies head crowned.

“They’re heads out. Take a breather if you want.” The nurse told you, rubbing your back in support.

“Tissue.” You mumbled to Emily who reached over to the box of tissues, bringing it to your forehead and wiping the sweat off.

“Whenever you’re ready, Y/N. One more big push, and your baby will be here.”

At them words, you pushed, using all your energy.

“They’re here! Your baby girl’s here.” The midwife said, catching your daughter and passing her under to you.

You held her to you chest, looking down at her as you both cried.

“Hi, bubba. I know that was tough, hey? Oh, I know.” You cooed as she cried her little lungs off.

“She’s perfect, hun.” Emily said rubbing your shoulder as she looked down at the baby in your arms.

“I’m gonna take her over here to check her vitals. I won’t be long.”

Whilst your baby girl was being checked over, you pushed the placenta out and moved to the bed.

Your daughter was being passed back to you, this time she was wrapped in a blanket with a small hat on top of her hair, covering her small tuffs of hair.

“She looked like you, Y/N.” Emily said

“You think so?”

“Same nose, same mouth, everything. A mini you.” Emily pointed out

“Would you like to hold her?” You asked Emily and she nodded, an emotional smile taking over her face.

“Hi, bubs. I’m your aunt Emily.” Emily cooed, stroking her finger up and down your daughter’s cheek. “What’s her name?”

“Florence Alexandra Y/L/N.”

“Oh my god, Alex is gonna be so happy.” Emily said

“I’m hoping she is, just like I’m hoping you’d be happy when I ask if you’d be Flo’s godmother?” You asked, Emily’s face lighting up.

“Of course! Oh my god thank you so much, Y/N.” Emily exclaimed, getting up to hug you.

—

After a while, you’d fed Florence and she was now fast asleep in a milk coma on your chest.

Emily was also fast asleep on the seat next to you.

You’d decided to FaceTime Alex to tell her about Florence.

The phone rang a few times before Alex finally picked up.

You’d angled the phone onto where Florence was laying, Alex’s jaw dropped as she focused on what she was looking at.

“They’re here?” Alex asked, you kidding with a tired smile.

“A girl. She’s perfect, Al. I’ve never felt a love like it, I’ve known her for an hour or two but I love her more than anything in the world. I guess you know what that feels like, huh? With Charlie.”

“I feel it with all my kids. Charlie, this baby, and you.” Alex said through tears.

“Al… you’re gonna make me cry.” You told her, blubbering.

“You’re my daughter too, Y/N. Since the moment you came into my life, you’ve been my daughter. Charlie loves you like a big sister too. Anyway, enough crying. What’s bubbas name?”

“Florence Alexandra Y/L/N.” You replied

“Oh my god, forget what I said about the no crying. You named her after me?”

“How could I not? You’re my mom Alex.” You said with a smile

“I love you two so much.”

“We love you too, Alex.”

[newtonsheffield]

Hi hello, how do Kate and Anthony find themselves alone in the middle of the day? Are they dating by this point? Or does it just happen and from there they get together?

I think this is after Anthony invites Kate to lunch one what he makes very clear is a date. His intention had been to drop Kate back off at her place, maybe steal a kiss if she was willing to give him one and possibly wait for Neddy to come back from his day out with Edwina.

He planned to be an absolute gentleman because he definitely wasn’t the first time they met. The first time they met he had his hand up her skirt in the back of a taxi and he won’t be repeating that. No matter how much they both enjoyed it.

It becomes immediately apparent that he’s incapable of being a gentleman where Kate Sharma’s concerned. The second she leans in and presses her lips to his outside her front door something in him snaps. He’s got her pressed to the front door in seconds and he remembers how good it felt to have her moaning against his skin. He remembered that look in her eyes that’s there when she pulls back and how her teeth bit into her lip and her tongue tasted him on hers.

“When will your sister have Neddy back?”

Her eyes flicked down to his lips again. “Around 4. Then we’re going to my mum’s at 6.”

“Interesting.” Anthony checked his watch, clicking his tongue while his right thumb made slow circles against the skin of her stomach. “A whole 90 minutes.”

Kate let out a heavy breath, while she fumbled with the door behind her. “You might have to tone down the foreplay from last time. I remember you being pretty fond of that.”

Anthony scoffed as he pushed her through the open door. “I will never tone down the foreplay.”

Kate pulled him back towards her, “You’d better hurry up and get started then.”

Anthony feels almost awkward, pretending he’s not screaming on the inside while his son tells him about his day out when he can still taste Kate on his tongue and her cheeks flush every time she looks in his direction. But he also doesn’t. He doesn’t feel bad about going after what he wants. Kate doesn’t need him. She doesn’t need his money, she doesn’t need his title, she doesn’t need him to raise Neddy. But she still wants him there, it seems. And he’s worked hard to be the kind of person Kate Sharma would want not need. So he doesn’t feel bad. This is his family now.

He doesn’t feel awkward when he winks at her while she straps Neddy into her car and leaves for her mothers. And he doesn’t feel awkward when he calls her that night after Neddy’s asleep.

“I’m still thinking about you.”

Kate sighed, “Yeah, I’m still thinking about you too. The tattoo was new. Glad you didn’t tone down the foreplay.”

“Always happy to please you, Trouble.”

[dancinglikebutterflywings]

7:10 AM | Timestamp

Pairing: Dad!Jung Wooyoung x Mum!Reader Synopsis: Wooyoung's favourite girls surprise him for his birthday. Requested by: No one Warnings: I love writing girl!dad Wooyoung so much. Pregnancy. Word Count: 875

A/N: this ended up being longer than a timestamp so enjoy. This took longer to post because my laptop was playing up.

Wooyoung Masterlist | ATEEZ Masterlist | Taglist Sign-Up

"What's all this?" Y/N’s husband’s sleepy voice comes from behind her as she puts on the final touches of setting the table for breakfast. 

Turning around, she sees Wooyoung gazing at her with wide, curious eyes, their six-year-old daughter beaming with excitement in his arms. Y/N gives her daughter a playful frown. The little girl had been eager to wake her father for his birthday surprise but she can’t fault her for it. Hae-young had no idea about the plan until Y/N had woken her up this morning, asking if she wanted to help surprise Daddy. There was no way Y/N would have spilled the beans to Hae-young before today. The little girl definitely inherited Wooyoung's yapping tendencies, making her terrible at keeping secrets. If she knew about what Y/N was planning earlier, the surprise would have been ruined.  

"What do we say to Appa?" Y/N prompts Hae-young.  

"Happy Birthday, Appa!" she exclaims joyfully, throwing her arms up in excitement, nearly making Wooyoung lose his hold on her. 

Wooyoung's sleepy grin grows as he finally registers what's happening, his eyes moving from the beautifully decorated table with flowers, balloons, seaweed soup, a couple of gift bags, and a small homemade cake to the excited face of his daughter. "Did you do all this for me?" 

"Eomma did, but I helped!" she proudly declares. 

Y/N watches as Hae-young beams with pride. The sight of their daughter’s enthusiasm fills her with warmth, and she can’t help but smile back at them both. Wooyoung, still half-asleep but now fully engaged, his eyes sparkling with affection, praises his little girl for a job well done before pressing a kiss to her cheek and leaning forward to press a kiss on Y/N's check also. 

Hae-young's laughter rings through the room like music, and Y/N feels her heart swell at the sight of her family. 

"Come on, Appa! You have to open my gift first!" Hae-young tells him, wriggling her way out of her dad's hold before taking his hand, tugging him towards the table. 

As soon as Wooyoung settles into his seat, Hae-young climbs onto his lap, reaching across the table for the larger black gift bag filled with all the things she picked out for him. 

"What did you get for me?" he asks taking the bag, opening it and reaches inside. The first thing he pulls out a black toy stuffed cat, this one different to his Aniteez sitting in her room. This one has big, sparkling green eyes and a tiny pink bow around its neck. Wooyoung chuckles, holding it up for Hae-young to see. "A black cat? You know your Appa very well." 

Hae-young giggles, clearly delighted with her choice of stuffed animal. "There's more, Appa."  

"Is there?" he replies, reaching back into the bag and pulling out three smaller gifts. One is a new bottle of black nail polish that Hae-young insisted on getting after seeing Wooyoung's nails painted for the latest comeback. Another is a box featuring his favorite cologne, and the last looks like a jewellery box. He opens it to reveal a small, intricately designed keychain with a photo of her inside it. Wooyoung smiles recognizing the image. It was of Hae-young, beaming with joy, her hair tousled by the wind, standing on her grandparent’s front doorstep. 

"Wow, Hae-young, I love it so much, I’m going to put it on my keys before I leave for work, so I can show all your uncles!" he exclaims, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “they’re going to be so jealous!” 

“Do you think so?” she asks hopeful. 

“I know so,” he assures her. “Now, do you know what eomma got me?” 

She takes a moment to think about it but shakes her head, no.  

"Why don’t you go eat while I open eomma's gift, okay?" he suggests, shifting in his seat. She obediently moves to sit in the chair next to him.  

Y/N picks up the small black gift bag and hands it to him. "It’s not much, but I hope you like it," she says, her voice tinged with nervousness. He looks at her with a hint of concern, takes the bag, and opens it. As he pulls out a box larger than the one containing the keychain, his eyes widen in surprise. Looking at her, a mix of excitement and hope fills his gaze.  

"Is this for real?" he asks, glancing between the sonogram photo and the positive pregnancy test, then back at her. 

"Yes," Y/N replies, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. 

 In a burst of excitement, Wooyoung quickly stands from his chair, almost knocking it backwards, and wraps her in his arms, pressing his lips to hers. "I love you so much," he says in between kisses. "Best birthday ever," he adds when he pulls away enough to wipe her tears that had fallen, not realizing he has tears in his own eyes. 

"Appa? Eomma? Is something wrong?" they hear Hae-young ask, her innocent curiosity breaking through the moment. 

Wooyoung quickly wipes away the tears that had begun to form in his eyes, kneeling down to Hae-young's level. He glances at his wife before looking back at her. "Nothing’s wrong, sweetheart. Appa's just having the best birthday he's ever had." 

@staytiny2000 - @treehouse-mouse - @katzline - @alexxavicry - @jedi-dreea

@rainydayteacups - @green-agent - @tinyelfperson - @yeonjunnie – @hollxe1

@deltamoon666 - @skz1-4-3 - @everythingboutkpop - @oddracha - @http-gyu

@skittyneos - @pinkpunkdynamite - @keshivibes - @bookswillfindyouaway - @katsukis1wife

@jjoongstar - @arki-sha - @forever-atiny - @lixisoul99 - @do-you-remember-summer-127 -

@catzachvsvt - @ateez-atiny380 - @reayahnadeem24

[captain039]

PART 5 On the edge Last part

Alpha Jayce x omega reader

Warnings: AOB, light swearing, feral alpha, intimacy, angst, Spoilers, Fated mates, hurt/comfort, depression

Previous part <-

A battle is always gruesome, always war cry’s, guns blazing, swords clashing. You’re with the people of Piltover hidden,protected, the ones who decided to stay anyway or couldn’t leave, you’re trying to comfort Jayces mum, after last night you’ve been a whirlwind of emotion and you haven’t seen the alpha since then. There’s a constant nagging in your stomach and brain as you hear distant rumbles and shouts. All you can do is wait, you don’t posses any power of the Arcane, of Hextech or basic fighting skills or rifle handling, in other words you can’t help Jayce. It’s like a deep sunken pit of emotions in your gut.

Caitlyn is the one to return, she’s missing an eye her stomach is stabbed and Vi is holding her up.

“We won” is all she says before she collapses and is rushed to medical. The people emerge, you see Mel holding her dead mother, you see her mother’s soldiers there and a bunch of those creatures Jayce showed you. You see no Jayce though, you figured the battle took elsewhere maybe in the lower part of the hex gate. You rush down there, it’s destroyed and no sign of Jayce, there’s a hold leading right to the top though of the hex gate building. You search everywhere for any trace of the alpha and find none and sinking feelings claw at your heart.

It’s been a month now and no sign of Jayce or his body, no sign of Viktor and his body just those hollow creatures and fallen soldiers from both sides. You don’t want to admit it, Jayce being dead it feels wrong like it shouldn’t be real. You’ve avoided any real conversation or socialising with anyone, you prefer the solitude of your double bed and simple apartment. You prefer very little at the moment, you’ve avoided taking care of yourself in any way, you barely eat or drink, you rarely shower, you don’t take your suppressants. It’s a warm night surprisingly, you lay there in underwear and a singlet on your side eyes staring blankly ahead, you feel as hollow as those creatures looked. Your apartment door opens and you tense up but can’t move your body, if an intruder is here you don’t care. The groan and collapse make you frown though and look up switching the lamp on. Jayce…

Jayce is kneeling in the door way bruised and battered looking worse than you.

“Jayce!” You’re rushing over almost falling over in the process at your lack of muscle usage before you slide to the ground in front of him. You touch his face making sure he’s real before hugging him tightly. The alpha sighs and wraps his arms around you tightly nuzzling your neck you don’t care that you stink, you just need to hold him.

“What- how- I don’t-“ you pull back seeing the small smile he gives.

“Can I kiss you?” He asks and you nod quickly pressing your lips to his without thought. The alpha sighs pressing his lips back to yours wanting to deepen it but you pull back.

“I haven’t brushed my teeth in a while” you mutter.

“Neither have I” he growls and tugs you back kissing you again his arms tightening around you.

“How are you back?” You ask hands resting on his cheeks.

“I don’t know” he answers eyes hazing over.

“I don’t” he shakes his head.

“And- Viktor?” You ask and he shakes his head against jaw clenching eyes closing for a moment as he holds back emotion. You hug him tightly again arms cradling his head. He’s dirty, his once white jacket now browns and greys his hair is slightly matted and dirty too.

“Let’s get you in the shower” you help him up and go to your shower, turning it on, you help him with his outer clothes before giving him privacy to get under the warm water. You go to leave when a wet hand catches your wrist.

“Join me?” He mutters and you turn back to look at him, his wet head of hair and tired eyes. You tense but nod, blushing a bit before taking your singlet off and underwear off. You hold your arms over your breasts before going under the water, Jayce steps back a bit eyes on you intently. You let the water wash over you knowing you need this shower as much as him and look at your feet shamefully.

“I didn’t handle, you being gone very well” you admit as rough fingers tilt your chin up.

“How long have I been gone?” He asks.

“A month and ten days” you answer and he grimaces.

“I haven’t seen anyone I don’t know how they are, your mums alive, Caitlyns alive, so Is Mel” you add.

“Mel’s mother?” He asks and you shake your head to which he nods too.

“Turn around” he orders gently and you frown but do, he grabs your shampoo and tilts your head back just a bit before he’s massaging the shampoo into your scalp. You sigh instantly eyes closing trying not to let a content moan leave your lips. He turns you back around with careful guidance before he tilts your head back into the water. He’s gentle, makes you wonder how he could be so gentle given his nature, work and everything that happened. Your arms are still covering your top half as he conditions your hair next before you switch places to let it soak in. You watch him wash his hair, watch the way his arm muscles move and tense, eyes trailing to his shoulders, collar bones, chest, abs- you force your eyes back up he’s always been so clean shave and well kept, you can see the hair on his arms and chest now, and down lower- which you’re not looking at as he meets your gaze. He smirks a bit and you glare tightening your arms around your breasts to hide yourself.

“Pass me my toothbrush and toothpaste” you grumble and he chuckled handing you both the items. You turn around so your backs to him and you begin to brush your teeth a little harshly till your gums bleed, before spitting. Jayces fingers trace your back, moving your hair from your shoulder before resting his head there. He’s warm, warmer than the shower now and you sigh a bit.

“I have spare toothbrush in the cupboard” you mutter and he hums in response. He turns you around slowly taking the toothbrush and toothpaste putting them back while your arms cover your breasts again. He glances down to them and you huff at him softly making him smile and press his lips to yours again. He steps closer an inch away his hands resting on your forearms you want to wrap your arms around his neck but don’t trying to keep some modesty even though he doesn’t seem to care. His hands clench gently before sliding to your elbows he gently urges your arms up and you give in wrapping them around his neck and he presses himself against you. There’s a small growl on his lips as his hands clench against your waist trying to get you closer. You’re pressed against the shower wall conditioned hair making your head slide against it.

“My conditioner” you mutter and he lets out another small growl. You figure not all the feral left him. He turns around guiding you back under the water tilting your head back and letting the conditioner rinse from your hair, once he’s satisfied he kisses you again under the flow of water making it harder to breathe.

“Jayce” you get out breathlessly as his mouth moves over your jaw and down to your neck.

“I missed your scent” he says desperately.

“I missed you” he adds letting out a small sigh as his shoulders sag and his head rests against your shoulder again.

“I missed you too Jayce” you mutter softly as he lifts his head to look at you.

You turn the shower off and both dry off, you don’t have any clothes for him to wear you realise and tense a bit.

“I’ll put your clothes in the wash” you comment from your room after you dress while he brushes his teeth in the bathroom. You put his dirty clothes in the washing machine before turning it on. You feel better, clean, refreshed you brush your hair of knots before going to the kitchen and wincing at the lack of food that isn’t off. Jayce comes out of the bathroom, in nothing but a towel around his waist and you know you were just naked in the shower with him but- geez.

“I don’t have any food” you call trying to avoid to look at him as you rummage through the cupboards. The alphas by you instantly though pressed against your back his nose pressed into your hair as he breathes in.

“I don’t care” he mumbles and you blink and huff.

“Jayce you obviously haven’t eaten in a while right?” He only grumbles to your question like a child. You haven’t eaten in a while either, stuck in your depressive episode. In fact you feel exhausted now that you think about it, your body aches and you want to nap.

“What’s the matter?” He asks mouth moving against your head as he speaks.

“Nothing” you brush off and feel him tense. You tense too as he turns you around and pins you with this look.

“As I said I didn’t handle you being gone” you shrug it off and he frowns. He looks around the apartment, nothings cleaned, dishes are unattended, dirty clothes are in one pile in your room the cupboards aren’t stocked and there’s rotting food in the fridge.

“Omega” the way he says it makes you shudder, it calls something primal with in you and you tilt your head without thinking.

“What was I supposed to do?!” You yell at him and he’s surprised by your outburst.

“All the shit I’ve been through!” You add.

“You disappearing for almost a year before returning in a feral state. The medical officers calling me saying I’m your true mate that I can bring you out of your feral state! Dragging you to the under city to get help from Viktor! - Viktor! Viktor who’s gone, Viktor who cured you somehow with this higher evolution power or whatever he called it. The war-! You disappearing again!” You don’t register the tears till he wipes them away.

“I’ve been on and off my suppressants my body’s a wreck! Jayce!” you add sobbing finally. You collapse against the alpha, sobs leaving your lips as you cry. Jayce hushes you resting your face in the crook of his neck his hand gently massaging the back of your neck. You cry and breathe him in nuzzling closer arms going around him tightly. Science- you missed the way he smells that undertone of alpha, leather, musk and metal. Jayce lifts you, he carry’s you to the couch and puts you down wrapping the blanket on the couch around you. You whimper and he presses his lips to your forehead.

“I’m gonna change your sheets ok?” He says softly and you nod wiping your eyes. He nods and goes into your room, he takes off the old bedding putting it in the laundry before grabbing a new set from the small linen cupboard you have. He struggles to keep his towel around his waist which makes you smile softly at the effort he puts in. He finishes and you stand soft blanket still wrapped around your shoulders before you collapse onto your bed. You sigh at fresh sheets and shuffle to lie your head on the pillow.

“I’ll wait for my clothes to dry before getting some food” Jayce says sitting at the edge of your bed.

“Stay” you say.

“Please” you add as Jayce smiles softly before moving he chuckles a little nervously at the towel around his waist.

“Just take it off I don’t care, we were literally naked in the shower together” you sigh and you see a faint blush on his cheeks. You look away and listen to the towel drop before he climbs into the bed. You’ve got the soft blanket and your clothes around you anyway. You grumble softly and roll over snuggling up to Jayces side leg hooking over his head resting on his shoulder. That’s all the encouragement he needs as he wraps his arms around you. You lay in silence for a while enjoying his warmth, his scent.

“Does your mum know you’re alive?” You ask softly and he nods.

“I went there first” he says and you nod glad.

“Jayce” you mutter and he hums as you think back to what you said when he asked you to stay.

“I’m sorry” you mutter.

“For what?” He asks.

“For, the night before the fight” you tense feeling him tense softly.

“It was the wrong time” he answers and you shake your head lifting your head to look at him.

“No Jayce I should’ve stayed with you, I shouldn’t have rejected you like that, I was horrible-“ you take a small breath calming your emotions.

“You’re my mate” you mutter tears welling in your eyes.

“And I want you to be my mate” you add bravely. You watch the alpha process the words his arm tightening on your waist before his lips crash with yours again. You make a surprised noise but kiss him back shuffling closer.

“Is that a yes?” You ask softly against his lips pulling back slightly as his eyes soften.

“Yes my omega” he says softly.

[scrumptiouskoalahottub]

☁️Plus one | George Clarke

[ You were George's plus one for his sister's wedding, you were good friends and worked on multiple brand deals with him. He couldn't think of anyone better to ask than you, you knew him inside and out and his family took to you very well, you notice how his energy shifted towards you throughout, more than a friend would you could say]

The theme was Smart casual, nothing too dressy but nothing too dull. You opted for a baby blue formal dress, one that wasn't too revealing but hugged you in the good places. You wore your hair in a messy curled bun as you applied light makeup. You were getting picked up soon to be ready for the wedding at 12. You felt nervous but not sure why, you'd met them lots of times but not the whole family. What if they think you're dating? The thoughts rush through your mind as you slip on some low heeled heels, a pair that wouldn't hurt your feet from all the dancing. You place some dangly earrings in as your phone buzzes

G: "I'm here are you ready?"

You: "yeah, on my way down now"

You grab your matching clutch bag and head to the lift, you make you way out of the flat to see a smart looking George in a beigey white tee, smart trousers and a big grin "you scrub up well" he says greeting you with a hug "not too bad yourself clarkey" you say with a soft smile, you get into the car as you make your way to the venue. You decide to address the elephant in the room "they don't think we're dating do they?" You ask he chuckles at it "no, don't worry" he says as a sigh of relief washes over you, although you wouldn't mind the speculation. You pull up after a 20 minute drive as you stomach turns, George gets out the car and walks round to your door to help you out "m'lady" he jokes with a fake curtsy "you're such a gentleman Mr Clarke" you snigger as you take his hand, you notice a few people watching you with beady eyes as you slide out the car, patting down your dress. He offers you his arm for you to link into for the walk up the cobbled pavement, knowing you could get unsteady with your heels; you interlock your arm and make you way up to greet his mum and family.

Butterflies form as you get to the top of the path as his mums smiles down at you "oh she looks gorgeous" you say to George "she's not the only one" he says, looking at you, catching you off guard. You scuttle over to his mum as you embrace her in a hug "ooo we've missed you" she says squeezing you tight "aw me too it's nice to see you again, you look lovely" you say to her "so do you! I love the colour" she says pulling away to have a closer look, George stands there rubbing his neck "come here geo" she says to him as he moves over with arms open, she whispers something in his ear which you don't quite catch. You then walk in to go get seated. The ceremony finishes as George gets up for his speech, you see his nerves kick in as his face drips white "you've got this, don't worry" you say pacing a hand on his thigh for reassurance; his mum spots this and smiles towards you "I don't know why you two just don't get together" she says with a soft smile as you laugh it off.

The after party draws in as his sister has her first dance, you sit in awe of the celebration as George sits smiling ear to ear "she looks so happy and content" you say to him, as he wipes a tear from his eye "she does, I'm so happy for her" he says with a sniffle as you smile back at him; the night continues and the free bar hits you a tiny bit, you and George were both tipsy at this point as George's mum and sister invite you for a dance. You slide up as you shuffle across, holding hands with them both as you dance; his sister glances at George to see him staring at you with so much love "y/n, my brothers in love with you" she says, you turn to her confused "what? How do you know?" You say back, "just look at him" she says as you turn your head and there he was, looking at you like he'd just won the lottery, hearts in his eyes as he watched you dance with his family, you slotted into his world so perfectly it was undeniable. You smile at his sister as you walk over to him "hey can we talk?" You say holding your hand out "yeah sure, is everything okay" you nod as you lead him out into the receptions garden. You perch yourself against the brickwork as you look at him "I can't help but think you invited me here for a reason" you say, hoping his sister was right; "what do you mean?" He says acting oblivious "the way you've looked at me, the comments about how I look, it just I don't know, feels like this was more of a test to see if I slotted into your world" you say with a slight smile, he sighs as he cups your hands "I'm glad you picked up on it, I don't know how much longer I could've hid it" he says with a nervous look "it's true, I did invite you here for more of a reason than just a plus one, I wanted to see for myself how my two worlds could work in the same room and they just match so effortlessly" he says with a smile "I like you, a lot y/n and todays opened a door for me to see that I want to pursue something with you, that's if you want-" you interrupt him with a kiss, something so passionate as if you both had wanted it for a while, you interlock your lips for a while as his hands snake round you waist, you both pull away and look at each other under the moonlight "of course I do George, I've never wanted anything more" you say with a sweet smile. You hear a wave of applause coming from the inside as you turn to the door, everyone was looking at you as you plant your foreheads into each others, giggling to yourself "I guess we don't need to worry about what they're going to say about the idea of us" he says laughing with you; "I guess not" you say, planting another kiss onto his lips, something so innocent form the beginning turning into a sea of love, a weight was lifted of both of your shoulders as you walk back into the venue "it's about bloody time!" His mum exclaims hugging you both as you laugh, ending the night on a special moment, you were excited to see the future of you both develop from today onwards.

-

[hvrtbroken]

" i finish work in . . " he looks down at his watch on his right arm , twists to see its face . " 19 minutes . " nico puts on the indicator again , checks the road , and pulls them out of the spot they'd just been parked in . nineteen minutes and then his lips will be on hers all over again . it can't go fast enough . he spares one more look at her as they drive - keeps his one hand on her lap , even though he knows he shouldn't . the boundaries and lines are there for a reason , but after the night they'd have . . . nico deserves to hold star's hand .

he can envision her grin perfectly in his brain , even as he refocuses on the road , turning the wheel expertly with one hand , palm flat . nico has always been a good driver - did a lot of the school duties while his mum worked whatever latest job she had to . he could do the drive back to star's blindfolded probably . THE STREETS ARE QUIET . it's comforting . his hand falls to her lap , and his fingers wrap around the small of her thigh , giving a small squeeze . " i always want to kiss you . " nico adds , because of course he does . how could he not ? when he glances back at her one more time , he can see her eyes under her lashes . nico has to clear his throat and look right back at the road , right then , right there , because those eyes are big and seductive and they remind him of star in very compromising situations that he can't be thinking about right now . a slightly flustered noise leaves nico's lips before he can think about it .

he can see her place up ahead . the gated community , the other guards waiting , the apartment lights twinkling on like some disney castle . the first time he drove up here , he couldn't help but imagine what spoilt, insane person would be inside . when he met cool, collected star . . . he was more than surprised . his hand reflexively squeezes her thigh again . there's a warmth pooling in his stomach , and when he looks at the clock on the dash he notes only seven minutes have passed . this feels like hell . it always get worse , more impatient and frustrating , when it's the last few minutes of the shift . it's like the worst test in human patience ever , because all he wants is to press his mouth to hers , to carry her to bed , to ask her about her day properly as nico the boyfriend , not nico the bodyguard . " this clock has to be broken . " nico breathes out between them , car slowing as he winds up the long road .

star's never had to vocalize herself like this. is just used to things being her fault — it's maybe why she defaults to apologizing, why she did so just now without thinking twice. never had anyone around her to tell her what was wrong with it for so long. ( makes a mental note to bring this up when she finds a therapist. ) so it feels freeing even if it's a struggle, and made that much better because it makes nico understand too. his 'okay' instantly has her feeling better, like it is okay. she'll be okay, they'll be okay. lets out a small sound of comfort when his fingers brush hair out of her face, the gesture adding to the relief. "no more apologies," she echoes, taking it to heart this time.

the feel of his skin in her hands, on her lips, it's comforting. it's so natural to her, like coming home after a long couple of months away on a film set. she smiles when she notes the stain of red lipstick across his knuckles where she'd kissed, almost shameful when she realizes it satisfies a tiny yet loud bit of her. can't help it when she presses her lips to them again, closer to the back of his hand. "i like hearing you say it back," she admits freely, lips finally curving upwards, her smile small but warm. moves her hands when he does, letting one fall while the other slides to cup the one on her face. hums as his thumb swipes under her eye, relishes in the familiarity and leans into it. it's an automatic response at this point. 'we'll always be okay. okay?' "okay." and somehow that one expression of agreement expresses so much.

"kiss?" the word slips past her lips simply, as if there was any other context. byeol catches herself, a laugh bubbling out of her lungs. it feels good to be this relaxed again, to feel her smile turn into a grin. it's like the heaviness in her chest has finally made its welcome exit. making space for other strong emotions. "what i meant was, um, can we kiss?" realizes how childish it is to ask, reminding her of that first day together, but doesn't want to assume for the evening. she sits up a little straighter, turning so she was facing nico fully. "doesn't have to be now, we can wait until we're home like you mentioned. when you're off the clock." she's been trying to be better at this since they got together, but the resolve is stronger now after their conversation. makes it look at him through her lashes, all coy and brighter than before. "i want you to want to kiss me."

[dont-offend-the-bees]

Fucks sake.

[lieutenantselnia]

Yesterday I've been doing some proper physical exercise for the first time since last year and I'm just imagining how proud my f/os would be of me🥹

[undistortedworld]

hateeeee having to rely on my mum to do everything for me still at the moment T_T feel so so soooo guilty having to ask her to help me wash and to change my dressings and to bring me meals every day and i am dreading so so soooo much having to go back to a&e at the weekend to get the stitches because the fact that i am going to be making her sit there for most likely 5+ hours when i know she despises waiting fills me with such self disgust T_T

[gottagobackintime]

Me at work: *Talks on the phone constantly, every day, Monday to Friday, no problem*

Me at home: *Makes a phone call and end up sweating profusely*

[abluehappyface]

Sometimes I wish my "premonitions" weren't correct...

[coleslaww]

Putting this all in the tags cause it's some heavy stuff. TW for drug abuse, assault and suicide.

people with siblings: how do you feel about them?

[sl33pycr0w]

I may or may not have just gotten myself safeguarded at school!! Good night everyone!!

[dont-offend-the-bees]

Quirky representations of dementia should go die actually

[sophiamcdougall]

I am never going to complain about Greek Duolingo again

I mean, I am. But still.

So, as some of you know, my family has been coming to this tiny Greek seaside village for several years. Just over a week ago I came out here with my mum, under the impression that early September, after the height of the summer heat, would be a good time to have a holiday. ANYWAY Storm Daniel had other ideas about that. Locally things are improving (I'm actually really pissed off about the disaster-porn tone of most English-language media coverage, but that's another post). The power is back on, there's running water most of the time, and though the latter is not drinkable, a truck from the government came and handled out free bottled water yesterday. But we are currently kind of stuck. Can't do tourist things. Can't go home. There aren't any local flights out until Saturday and the road to Thessaloniki is still closed.

So this evening, feeling kind of aimless and depressed, I go down to the nearest beach with a couple of binbags and start cleaning up in an effort to at least do something positive. I always try to do this at least once out here and obviously, after the storm, there's a lot more plastic and rubbish than usual.

At some point I find this large, round bit of metal - some kind of machinery part, I think -- that's too big for the bag, so I take it to the bins on its own, leaving the rubbish bag on the beach. And when I come back for it, something among the stones beside it moves.

Specifically, it pulls its head sharply inside its shell

So, meanwhile I've been trying to learn some Greek with the help of Duolingo.

I currently have a 33-day streak and... I have questions. Shouldn't I be able to use the past or future tenses by now? Shouldn't I be able to say "x is like y"? I can't do those things. But one thing I absolutely can say all day long is έχω μια χελώνα : I have a turtle.

This is far from the limit of Duolingo Greek's turtle-related content. "An obsession with turtles" is my mother's characterisation. I can inform you that the turtle is not a bird, and, improbably, that the turtle is drinking milk. I can introduce you to a turtle in company with a horse and an elephant. As far as Duolingo is concerned, it really is turtles all the way down.

Now this, you may be able to see, is not a turtle. It has claws rather than flippers. It is a tortoise. I know there are wild tortoises in Greece: my aunt once rescued a pair of them shagging in the middle of the road -- but that was up in the mountains. I've even seen one myself, but it was also on a road and very dead.

I am 95% certain they don't belong on beaches. There's nothing for it to eat, except, unfortunately, a lot of plastic. Even if it gets off the beach it will immediately find itself on a road where it could get hit by a car. I'm pretty sure it must have been washed down by the floodwater and has been just sitting there, dazed, ever since.

Now obviously the first thing I want to do on encountering this unusual animal is to go and tell my mummy, so I do. The tortoise immediately brightens her day. She agrees that the tortoise is not happy on the beach and needs to be taken somewhere safe. it gets surprisingly wriggly when picked up so we put it in a carrier bag with some grapes and cucumber and go looking for somewhere to rehome it.

We find a path leading up between the houses towards a likely-looking field, but before we get very far a dog in a yard goes berserk and a man's head pops over a fence and demands to know what we're doing. He does this in English, as evidently we're just that obviously tourists.

"I found a tortoise on the beach!" I explain. "We want to find somewhere to put it."

"A what," he asks.

"It's like a, you know," I begin and then to my astonishment I find myself saying... "μια χελώνα"

"Oh! A turtle!" he says.

"But from the land. δεν είναι χελώνα", [it is not a turtle,] I say, as I am worried he will tell me to put it back near the sea where I found it. As it turns out it actually IS a χελώνα, Greek does not distinguish between turtles and tortoises, but I don't know that; I can't even name the days of the week or identify any colours other than pink yet, give me a break.

The man's entire demeanour changes and thaws. He does not worry about my turtle-that-is-not-a-turtle conundrum. He knows where οι χελώνες come from and where η χελώνα μας belongs. He leads us through a gate into a courtyard area.

"[somethingsomething] μια χελώνα," he explains to the assembled onlookers, of whom there are, suddenly, a surprising number.

"ΜΙΑ ΧΕΛΩΝΑ!!!" crows the throng of delighted small children, who are, suddenly, everywhere.

"μια χελώνα!" I agree, accepting that at least for current purposes, that is what it is.

"Μπορούμε να δούμε τη χελώνα σας; [can we see your turtle?]" asks an adorable little girl, shyly, and I understand??

The children fucking love looking at the χελώνα and showing it to them is kind of magical?

I finally put the tortoise down on the grass of this wild area off to the side of the courtyard, and marvel aloud that it is weird that I barely know any Greek except how to say μια χελώνα.

"I think she will soon run off," a kind lady called Aspasia assures me, seeing I remain slightly anxious about its fate. "I don't know why I'm saying 'she'. I suppose because χελώνα is feminine in Greek."

"Yes! I know that!" I exclaim, thrilled.

"Well done!" she says. And also she asks if we are OK for drinking water after the storm and if we need any help with anything and is just generally incredibly lovely and now we know more of the neighbours!

So "μια χελώνα" has just become, by a long way, my most-used and most understood and all-around most conversationally successful phrase in Greek. So I guess I have to admit I was wrong to doubt Duolingo's wisdom: it is correct to be obsessed with turtles. And I concede that prior to learning how to count to ten or to distinguish right from left, the simple ability to yell the word TURTLE over and over again is, it turns out, a crucial element of the responsible traveller's social skills.

(I am pretty fluent in Italian and turtles haven't come up in conversation even once?)